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Wanda, a St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health patient, urgently needed a lift chair. Her weakened legs caused her constant pain, making it difficult to stand up from a seated position. The chair she was using had belonged to her parents, but it had recently broken. Unfortunately, purchasing a new one was beyond her means.

But Wanda’s desperation was lifted after a visit by physical therapist Wendi Hook to deliver her new lift chair!

Wanda is among many who have benefitted from the efforts of St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health and the Bethesda Health Group Foundation.

“Wanda is just one example—our team is constantly looking to provide our patients with equipment or items they may not otherwise have been able to afford,” says Mary Ann Reifschneider, Executive Director, Bethesda Home and Community Based Services.

The lift chair is among many items purchased for seniors in need over the last year including:

  • A wash basin that allows the patient to have his or her hair washed while lying in bed or sitting in a wheelchair
  • Personal hygiene items like adult briefs, soaps, shampoos, and lotions
  • Nutritional supplements like Ensure and protein drinks
  • Washable bed pads and neck pillows
  • Bedside commodes, walkers, canes and shower bench transfers (not covered by insurance)

The Charless Foundation, the Margaret Grigg Foundation and the Lutheran Foundation all earmark their gifts to the Bethesda Health Group Foundation for these types of purchases.

“We fund vital pieces of durable medical equipment and medical supplies that insurance will not cover, the client cannot afford, or benefits have yet to be approved,” says Linda Sanders, Corporate Vice President and Director of Development. “We are so glad that we were able to help make Wanda more comfortable.”

For more Bethesda Health Group Foundation stories, visit our blog!